Apostolic oversight is foundational. Paul said; I have laid a foundation and another builds on it (1 Cor. 3:10). The foundation of a building is out of sight, but it is the key to stability and the growth of the structure built on it. Many churches today have faulty foundations and as a result they continually struggle with the same problems. Jesus Christ himself is the Chief Cornerstone of the foundation (Eph. 2:20). Everything the church is and does has to be rightly related to Christ, because the church belongs to Him. It is part of New Testament Christianity that churches are to be built up, equipped and matured through ongoing relationship with five-fold ministry. While in the first century this was done primarily through relationship with apostles who initially founded the churches, today many churches are discovering the importance of relating to apostles who may not have pioneered the church, yet provide a rich source of wisdom and strength through ongoing relationship. This is accomplished when a church moves beyond merely having fellowship and receiving ministry from apostles, into the place of identifying, recognizing and receiving oversight from an apostolic ministry. This can only occur where a relationship of trust has been established between a church and an apostolic ministry. Such a relationship takes time to establish.

THE BENEFITS OF APOSTOLIC COVERING

There is no reason for a church to have an apostolic covering if the church doesn’t benefit from the relationship. If the only one receiving benefits is the apostle, something is wrong. Following are some areas that a church and its leaders should benefit from apostolic covering:

Counsel – In vision, helping to define it, refine it and articulate it. In doctrine, to help deal with doctrinal issues confronting a church or causing division in the church. In church discipline, this is especially helpful in difficult cases to avoid personal attacks against leadership when a member needs discipline.Protection – This is to provide an atmosphere of safety and security for both the pastor and the people. To protect the people- if a leader falls into error or sin or becomes dictatorial, the congregation knows they have someone to appeal to, helping to avoid a church split. To protect the pastor – At times the Pastor needs someone to speak on his behalf. He needs protection against false accusations.Accountability – Having apostolic covering gives the pastor someone to be accountable to, someone to talk to, relate to.Confirmation – Apostolic covering can be used to confirm and ordain elders and other 5-fold gifts in the church. Having someone else to interview and confirm candidates for ministry can provide an objective view that is often missing in independent churches.Encouragement – Visits by apostolic covering can bring encouragement and blessing to a local church.Commitment – Apostolic covering doesn’t work unless there is a level of commitment by a pastor and congregation. Every pastor knows the value and importance of commitment in the local church.

A level of commitment is needed if you’re going to entrust someone with ministry responsibility in the local church. As an apostolic network we have come to realize that there are some basic commitments a pastor and local church need to make to fully benefit from apostolic oversight:We provide a Spiritual Covering for Pastors, Churches, and other outreach ministries. Functioning together through Evangelism, Leadership Conferences, Church Planting and Short-term Mission efforts.